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At a Glance

Atmosphere. It’s what separates the cold academia of a scientific expedition from the welcoming warmth of a safari. A destination doesn’t change, but the experience of it does. The same is true for the Galápagos Islands, a destination so controlled by environmental regulation that there’s little choice in how to experience it besides which vessel carries you through. In an archipelago known for the research missions that have taken place there, it’s comforting that the Grace provides such an elegantly wild voyage. The boat the Crown Prince of Monaco took on his honeymoon with Grace Kelly, the eponymous Grace is a luxury cruiser unlike any other. Owned and operated by Quasar Expeditions, its small size and bright, classic-yet-modern décor (retrofitted last year) offer a class of travel that imbues the islands with a sense of timeless escapism. As the sun sets gold over the palo santo trees onshore and the warm wind blows across Pacific waters, guests on board can sip cocktails while listening to lectures from some of the most talented guides in the Galápagos. A far cry from Charles Darwin’s voyage on the Beagle hundreds of years ago—the Grace is the perfect combination of education and style.

The Standout: The Grace’s sheer history: it took part in the evacuation of Dunkirk and acted as Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco’s honeymoon vessel

Don’t Miss: Unparalleled access to scientific researchers and laboratories from the Charles Darwin Foundation, once a week during all sailings

Indagare Loves

• The small size, with room for only 16 passengers, creating an ideal environment for a personal experience of the destination
• The elegant, updated décor, which makes the trip feel less like a rugged safari and more like a personal charter
• The boat’s top-quality guides, who lead each day’s water-based excursions

Who Should Stay

Visitors to the Galápagos seeking a sophisticated, classic-style vessel over shinier options.